Slovenia, a small country with only two million population has officially declared itself coronavirus free. The government has reportedly claimed an official end to the coronavirus pandemic as there is negligible new coronavirus reported during the last two weeks.
It means that anyone who would arrive in Slovenia from any other country would be free to move and roam around. Travelers from all other European Union States would no longer follow a 7-day or 14-day quarantine as other countries are following. This new information has been presented in an official statement by the Slovenian government today, saying that there is no need to take any special health measures now.
With this claim, Slovenia has become the first country in Europe which has controlled coronavirus on its own. Like other parts of the world, the two million population of Slovenia was also hit by the deadly coronavirus pandemic. The country shares its borders with Croatia, Austria, Hungary.
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Before the decline was reported, the Slovenian government reported nearly 1,464 coronavirus positive cases and 103 confirmed deaths. This coronavirus update was published on March 12th, after which the cases of coronavirus gradually started to reduce. From the last two weeks, the daily cases of coronavirus are less than seven, showing that coronavirus is no more dominant in this country.
The Slovenian Prime Minister, Janez Jansa said while addressing the parliament as; “Slovenia has tamed the epidemic over the past two months. Today Slovenia has the best epidemiologic picture in Europe.”
But calling it an end of coronavirus doesn’t mean that people, as well as health agencies, would stop their roles and preventive measures. Even if it is true that Slovenia has eradiated coronavirus from its territory, the government would be following the standard measures including providing financial help to all citizens especially those who are worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
The government would continue to support individual and small businesses affected by the pandemic until the end of this month. The country would soon open up for all local and international travelers. However, the foreign passengers who exhibit the signs of coronavirus or are a diagnosed patient of the coronavirus, are strictly prohibited to enter the territory.
The restriction of a 14-day long quarantine period is valid to everyone who comes outside Europe. But this doesn’t apply to the diplomats, staff of the embassy, and people involved in cargo deliveries.
All citizens are required to follow the basic guideline so that no new cases of coronavirus emerge while the country celebrates minimal infected people. Everyone is requested to wear a face mask while being in public and maintain at least 5 feet distance with each other. They are also advised to disinfect their hands after touching any shared space and surface.
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Earlier, in March 2020, the Slovenian government decided to close all schools, colleges, sports complexes, restaurants, bars swimming pools, spas, and every public place except the pharmacies and food stores. During this time, public transport and international travel services were also suspended.
But watching the decreased cases of coronavirus from April 20 and onwards, the government has decided to resume the routine functions including public transport. The schools are much likely to re-open soon and the small businesses are also allowed to resume their function from the coming week.
Despite these claims made by the Slovenian government, the international medical experts believe that coronavirus still exists in the country and there is no other country that has made a similar claim. It suggests that getting rid of coronavirus might not be this easy. In any case, it is too early to tell whether or not Slovenia is successful to end coronavirus pandemic.